Bill to stop fraudulent use of disabled vets sales tax exemption signed

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to protect the sales tax exemption provided to Oklahoma’s 100% disabled veterans was signed into law Wednesday. Senate Bill 415’s author, Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer, who serves as the chair of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, said the bill was desperately needed to stop the fraudulent use of the benefit for Oklahoma’s heroes.

“It’s hard to believe, but it appears some 16,000 people in our state are committing fraud by claiming this sales tax exemption. As a veteran myself, it horrifies me that anyone would lie and dishonor these brave military men and women, let alone the tremendous sacrifices they made for our country that led to their disability,” Simpson said. “This new law will protect this military benefit as well as the tax revenue currently being stolen by these frauds. The Oklahoma Legislature always stands strong in defending our military. I want to thank them and Governor Stitt for protecting this benefit.”

Currently, the Oklahoma Tax Commission has approximately 32,000 military tax-exempt certificates on file. However, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) says Oklahoma only has 16,000 fully service-disabled veterans. Under SB 415, the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) will now be authorized to disclose taxpayer information for 100% service-disabled veterans who qualify for the sales tax exemption to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). ODVA will then verify eligibility for the exemption to the OTC.

Marine veteran, Rep. Tommy Hardin, R-Madill, was the House principal author of the bill.

“Senate Bill 415 will help reduce tax fraud that is all too prevalent right now and help protect our state’s brave men and women who served our country,” said Hardin. “I was glad to carry the bill through the House and see it signed into law.”

To remain eligible for the exemption, qualifying veterans must register with the Oklahoma Veterans Registry by July 1, 2023 at https://registry.odva.ok.gov/registration.

SB 415 went into effect upon the governor’s signature.

For more information, contact:  Sen. Simpson: (405) 521-5607 or Frank.Simpson@oksenate.gov